Resistance band having hand adapters and handles

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to a resistance band having a pair hand adapters, a pair of handles, and an extension interposed between each hand adapter and handle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/853,907, filed Sep. 14, 2015 and titled RESISTANCE BANDHAVING HAND ADAPTERS AND HANDLES, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/523,706, filed Oct. 24, 2014 andtitled HAND ADAPTER FOR RESISTANCE BAND, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional application No. 61/895,305, filed Oct. 24, 2013 and titledHAND ADAPTER FOR RESISTANCE BAND, each of which is incorporated hereinin their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly,the present invention relates to an exercise device that is used toincrease resistance to a user's anterior deltoid (shoulder), triceps,and chest muscles during exercise movements. The exercise devicecomprises a pair of hand adapters which resemble fingerless, backlessgloves, each hand adapter having a pad comprising a plurality ofopen-ended sheaths or finger loops. The pad protects the palm of thehand while the finger loops receive the user's second, third, fourth andfifth phalanges. The hand adapters are interconnected via a resistanceband that attaches to the pad of each adapter. The design and featuresof the instant invention provide the wearer with an unobstructed grip ofan exercise machine or a workout surface. The design and features of theinstant invention provide the user with decreased wrist and thumbextension torque and increased wrist and thumb control by transmittingthe resistive forces of the resistance band to the user's wrist andforearm in a compressive manner via the user's metacarpals.

BACKGROUND

Resistance training or weight lifting is a common type of strengthtraining for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles.Weight and resistance training uses the weight force of gravity tooppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentriccontraction. Weight and resistance training uses a variety ofspecialized equipment to target specific muscle groups and types ofmovement.

As a general rule, muscle development occurs when resistance is added toa muscle movement. Resistance may be added by various means. In asimplest example, body weight adds resistance to a person's muscles andleads to muscle development as the person's muscle groups undergoesmovement. A person's body weight provides a base amount of resistancethat requires a minimum level of muscle mass to facilitate the person'smuscle movements. Muscle development may occur when either theresistance increases, or when the amount of muscle movement increases.In both instances, the person's muscles will become fatigued, therebyrequiring that the muscles undergo development to accommodate for theincreased activity and/or resistance.

The objective in weight training is to maximize muscle development byincreasing the resistance and/or muscle movement experienced by theindividual. Exercise machines have been developed with the specific goalin mind of increasing resistance to, and repetition of muscle movement.Exercise movements have also been developed which are designed tomaximize a person's body weight to provide general or isolatedresistance to one or more muscles or muscle groups. For example,pushups, squats, lunges, and sit ups are examples of exercise movementsthat coordinate resistance and muscle movement to maximize muscledevelopment.

In some instances, resistance is added to muscle movement usingfree-weights. A free-weight can be classified as any object or devicehaving a mass that can be moved freely in three-dimensional space.Examples of common free-weights include dumbbells, barbells, high/low oradjustable pulley systems, lat pull-down and low row devices, medicineballs, kettle bells, ankle weights, and the human body. In reality, anyobject that is free to move in three-dimensional space that is not fixedto any specific set of axis can be considered a free-weight.

Weight training may also be performed using an exercise machine. Unlikefree-weights, an exercise machine is designed to limit the biomechanicalmotion of a portion of a user's body to one or two-dimensions. In thisway, the exercise machine may focus the resistance and efforts of theuser to an isolated muscle, or group of muscles.

Exercise machines use gravity, friction, tension, compression, and/orhydraulic forces to provide isolated resistance to the user. Exercisemachines further provide optimized biomechanical movement and resistancefor the user's body by incorporating various combinations of cables,cams, springs, elastomeric bands, hydraulic cylinders, levers, andpulleys into the machine's design. Exercise machines are thusspecifically designed to provide exact, repeatable biomechanical motionsthat are calculated to optimize desired muscular development. In theory,any user that performs weight training on an exercise machine willachieve the muscular development for which the exercise machine wasspecifically designed.

In some instances, it may be desirable to add increased resistance to anexercise movement or an exercise machine. Free-weights generally come ina variety of graduated units, such that a user may increase resistanceby simply adding an additional unit, or swapping one unit for anotherunit having increased mass. Exercise machines are similarly configuredto permit a user to easily add or remove resistance, as desired.

Resistance bands are also useful in adding resistance to an exercisemovement. A resistance band generally comprises a sheet or tubestructure comprising a resilient or elastic material, such as rubber oran elastomeric polymer. A first end of the resistance band may beattached to a part of the user's body, with a second end of theresistance band being secured to a fixed surface. Resistive forces fromthe resistance band are imparted to the user's movement as a distancebetween the first end and the second end of the band increases.

For example, a user may hold the first end of the band in his hand whilethe second end of the band is held against the floor by the user's foot.In other instances, the first and second ends of the band may be held inuser's hands while a middle section of the band is held against thefloor by the user's foot. Further still, in some instances the first andsecond ends of the band are held in the user's hands while the middleportion of the band is stretched across the user's back. The user'smovement generally lengthens the resistance band, thereby increasing theresistive forces experienced by the user during the movement.

Generally, a user wraps the ends of the resistance band around theirhands prior to grabbing the free-weight or exercise machine, thusholding the band and the exercise equipment in the palm of their hand.In some instances, the ends of the elastic band are formed into loops orattached to a handle or strap that the user places in their palm to holdwith the free-weight or exercise machine. The presence of the resistanceband or handle in the user's palm necessarily interferes with the user'sgrip during the weight training exercise. Further, placement of theband, loop, strap or handle in the user's palm causes increased wrist,thumb, and/or palm extension torque as resistive forces increase duringthe exercise movement. This results in over-extension of the user'swrist, thumb, and/or palm which may cause discomfort to the user, aswell as promote improper biomechanical motion.

Thus, while systems and devices currently exist for adding resistance toan exercise movement, challenges still exist. Accordingly, there is aneed in the art for an improved device that overcomes the currentchallenges. Such a device is disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly,the present invention relates to an exercise device that is used toincrease resistance to a user's chest, shoulder, and tricep musclesduring exercise movements. The exercise device comprises a pair of handadapters which resemble fingerless, backless gloves, each hand adapterhaving a pad comprising a plurality of open-ended sheaths or fingerloops. The pad protects the palm of the hand while the finger loopsreceive the user's second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges. The handadapters are interconnected via a resistance band that attaches to thepad of each adapter. The design and features of the instant inventionprovide the wearer with an unobstructed grip of an exercise machine or aworkout surface. The design and features of the instant inventionprovide the user with decreased wrist and thumb extension torque andincreased wrist control by transmitting the resistive forces of theresistance band to the user's wrist and forearm in a compressive mannervia the user's metacarpals.

Some implementations of the present invention provide a resistance cheststrap device that goes around the back, which includes a resistance bandhaving two ends, each end being selectively attached to a respectivehand adapter. The hand adapters generally resemble a fingerless,backless glove, wherein the hand adapter comprises a pad having a topsurface, a bottom surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The padcomprises one or more finger loops that are coupled to the distal end.The finger loops are capable of receiving the proximal phalanges of theuser's hand. The pad further comprises a mounting block or attachmentloop that is coupled to the proximal end and is configured to receiveand/or retain an end of the resistance band. Thus, the hand adapters areinterconnected via the resistance band.

Some implementations of the present invention further provide anattachment means that is capable of assisting the user in donning andremoving the hand adapters in spite of the resistive forces exerted bythe resistance band. The attachment means may include any connector orfastener that may be easily established and removed, as desired.

Some implementations of the invention further comprise a resistance bandhaving a pair of hand adapters, and further comprising a pair ofhandles, wherein each handle is located at a terminal end of theresistance band, and the hand adapters are positioned between the pairof handles. A user may thus select between the hand adapters and thehandles when using the resistance band, thereby increasing the utilityof the resistance band exercise device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The nature of thepresent invention, as well as other embodiments of the presentinvention, may be more clearly understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the invention, to the appended claims, and tothe several drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resistance back strap device inaccordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a hand adapter of theresistance back strap device of claim 1, in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a resistance back strap device installedon a user in accordance with a representative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4A-4C show perspective top and bottom views of a hand adapter inaccordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D shows a cross-section side view of a hand adapter in accordancewith a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective side view of two hand adapters anddemonstrates compatible surfaces for attachment means in accordance witha representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a resistance back strap device installed on a user,the hand adapters of the device being selected interconnected viaattachment means in accordance with a representative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a resistance back strap device having a pair of handadapters and further comprising a pair of handles coupled to terminalends of the resistance band in accordance with a representativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a resistance band having a terminal end to which may beselectively coupled separate gripping structures in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a hand adapter having a single loop configured toreceive four fingers in accordance with a representative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a partially cross-section view of a hand adapter having asingle loop, as held in a user's hand in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a partially cross-section view of a hand adapter having asingle loop, and a secondary solid object as held in a user's hand inaccordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly,the present invention relates to an exercise device that is used toincrease resistance to a user's chest, shoulder, and triceps musclesduring exercise movements. The exercise device comprises a pair of handadapters which resemble fingerless backless gloves, each hand adapterhaving a pad comprising a plurality of open-ended sheaths or fingerloops. The pad covers and/or protects the palm of the hand while thefinger loops receive the user's fingers. The hand adapters areinterconnected via a resistance band that attaches to the pad of eachadapter. The design and features of the instant invention provide thewearer with an unobstructed grip of an exercise machine or a workoutsurface. The design and features of the instant invention provide theuser with decreased wrist and thumb extension torque and increased wristcontrol by transmitting the resistive forces of the resistance band tothe user's wrist and forearm in a compressive manner via the user'smetacarpals.

As used herein, the terms “fingerless” and “fingerless glove” describe aglove-like structure having open-ended sheaths or finger loops forreceiving the second, third, fourth, and fifth phalanges of a user'shand. In some instances the glove-like structure is backless, whereinthe open-ended sheaths or finger loops are attached to a pad thatcontacts the user's palm.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a resistance back strap device 10 is shown.Device 10 comprises a resistance band or strap 20 that interconnects twohand adapters 30. Resistance band 20 comprises an elastic material, suchas surgical tubing. Band 20 may also include rubber sheeting, tubing,straps, matrices, cord, and other similarly functioning structures andmaterials. In some instances, band 20 comprises an elastomeric polymermaterial.

Band 20 comprises terminal ends 22 that are selectively attached to handadapters 30. Generally, a first terminal end of band 20 is attached to afirst hand adapter, and a second terminal end of band 20 is attached toa second hand adapter, such that band 20 interconnects the two handadapters 30. In some instances, band 20 is indirectly coupled to handadapters 30 via a mounting block 40. Mounting block 40 generallycomprises a rigid or semi-rigid material having a receptacle 42 forreceiving terminal end 22. In some instances, receptacle 42 comprisestapered sidewalls, wherein terminal end 22 is wedged into receptacle 42as terminal end 22 is seated within receptacle 42. In other instances,band 20 is directly coupled to hand adapter 30 via a loop of flexiblematerial or other connection that directly forms a surface of handadapter 30, as shown and discussed in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B,below.

For some embodiments, mounting block 40 attaches to the base 34 of handadapter 30 via one or more non-elastic straps 44, such as nylon webbing.Base 34 comprises a portion of the pad 32 of hand adapter 30. When wornby a user, base 34 is generally aligned with the user's wrist and thumbpad. Pad 32 is configured to cover the user's palm and provide aprotective and stable barrier between the user's hand and a piece ofexercise equipment. In some instances, pad 32 comprises a tapered shapethat resembles the shape of a user's hand, wherein the portion of pad 32that is aligned with the user's knuckles is wider than the portion ofpad 32 that is aligned with the user's wrist. Thus, the dimensions ofpad 32 are configured to prevent or minimize excess material fromoverhanging the user's palm.

Pad 32 generally comprises a flexible, non-elastic material, such asnylon, suede, leather, webbing, or other materials having equallycompatible properties. In some instances, pad 32 comprises a non-slipmaterial or coating to improve the user's grip. In some instances, pad32 further comprises padding material. Pad 32 may also comprise amoisture wicking material or coating. In some instances, pad 32 furthercomprises a heat absorbing material or coating. Pad 32 may furthercomprise an antibacterial coating.

The top surface 35 of pad 32 further comprises a plurality of fingerloops 36 that are positioned opposite base 34. Finger loops 36 areconfigured to receive the second, third, fourth, and fifth phalanges ofthe user. Finger loops 36 may comprise any length and diameter. In someinstance, finger loops 36 comprise a length that approximates the lengthof the user's proximal phalanges, for example from 0.75 inches to 1.5inches. In other instances, finger loops 36 comprise a length that isless than the length of the user's proximal phalanges, for example lessthan 0.75 inches. The diameter of finger loops 36 is generallyconfigured to permit easy insertion and removal of the user's fingers,while maintaining close contact between the pad and the user's palm. Forexample, in some instances finger loops 36 comprise a diameter fromapproximately 0.75 inches to approximately 1.5 inches.

Figure loops 36 generally comprise a non-elastic material, such as nylonwebbing. In some instances, finger loops 36 comprise independent loopsthat are individually coupled to pad 32. In other instances, fingerloops 36 comprise a single strap of material that is attached to pad 32at various intervals to form loops. Hand adapters 30 may comprisevarious numbers and sets of finger loops to accommodate the use'sphalanges. For example, in some instances each pad 32 comprises fourfinger loops, each finger loop being configured to receive a singlefinger. In other instances, each pad 32 comprises three finger loops,wherein two loops are configured to each receive a single finger, and athird loop is configured to receive two fingers. Further, in someinstances each pad 32 comprises two finger loops, wherein each loop isconfigured to receive two fingers. Alternatively, in some instances oneloop is configured to receive one finger, and the second loop isconfigured to receive three fingers. In a further embodiment, pad 32 maycomprise a single loop configured to receive four fingers.

Referring now to FIG. 2, pad 32 further comprises a bottom surface 37that is generally planar and free from any projections or other surfacesthat would interfere with the user's grip. Bottom surface 37 ispositioned opposite of top surface 35 and is configured to directlycontact a free-weight, exercise device, exercise machine, or floorsurface when worn by the user. In some instances, bottom surface 37comprises a slight texture or other feature to enhance the user's grip.Bottom surface 37 may further comprise a non-slip material or coating,as discussed previously.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a middle portion of band 20 is supported acrossthe user's back, thereby stretching band 20 when the user's arms areextended. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the middleportion of band 20 may be supported by other parts or areas of theuser's body to add increased resistance to an exercise movement. Handadapters 30 are secured to the user's hands via finger loops 36. Thus,pad 32, mounting block 40 and band 20 are oriented and/or positionedproximate to the anterior surface of the user's arms when the middleportion of band 20 is supported across the user's back. Further, band 20and mounting block 40 generally extend outwardly from the center of theuser's hand and wrist, and in close proximity to the user's hand andwrist, thereby greatly reducing and/or eliminating wrist extensiontorque, wrist flexion torque, wrist radial deviation torque, wrist ulnardeviation torque, wrist pronation torque, and wrist supination torque.Rather, the position of finger loops 36, pad 32, and mounting block 40transfer the resistive forces of band 20 through the user's metacarpals,wrist, and forearm in a linear, compressive force which stabilizes thewrist throughout the exercise movement, thereby providing increasedcontrol and decreased likelihood of injury.

In some instances, pad 32 comprises a trapezoidal shape comprising adistal end 41 having a width that is greater than the width of aproximal end 43, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. A width of distal end 41is approximately equal to the width of the user's knuckles for thesecond through fifth phalanges. Distal end 41 further comprises fingerloops 36. In some instances, pad 32 tapers inwardly from distal end 41to proximal end 43, wherein the width of proximal end 43 is less thanthe width of the user's palm. As such, a portion of the user's palmoverlaps one or more sides of proximal end 43, thereby permitting theoverlapping portions of the user's palm to contact the exerciseequipment or free-weight when wearing hand adapter 30. The overlappingportions of the user's hand may therefore be utilized in securelygripping the exercise equipment.

Proximal end 43 further comprises a mounting block comprising anattachment loop 45 that is secured to base 34. Generally, attachmentloop 45 comprises a flexible, non-elastic material, such as nylonwebbing. Band 20 is selectively coupled to pad 32 via attachment loop45. In some instances, an end portion of band 20 is inserted through anopening or grommet 46 of attachment loop 45 and secured via a knot 50 orother similar structure, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In otherinstances, band 20 is coupled to attachment loop 45 via an attachmentadapter, such as a hoop, a link, a clip, or other fastener (not shown).In some instances, band 20 is coupled to attachment loop 45 in a secure,yet easily manipulated manner, thereby permitting quick and easyattachment and removal of band 20 from pad 32.

As discussed previously, pad 32 generally comprises a non-elastic, yetflexible material. However, in some instances pad 32 comprises amaterial that may undergo stretching or slight deformation due to theresistive forces of band 20. Thus, in some embodiments pad 32 furthercomprises a boarder 47 of non-elastic, yet flexible material, such asnylon webbing. Boarder 47 is secured to pad 32 via reinforced stitching.Therefore, pad 32 may comprise a flexible, elastic or stretchablematerial which maintains its shape due to boarder 47.

Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise a feature toassist the user in donning and removing the hand adapters. Those skilledin the present art will appreciate that the compressive forces betweenthe user's fingers and finger loops 36, as applied by band 20, may makeit difficult to remove the user's fingers from the loops 36. Similarly,it may be difficult for the user to simultaneously overcome theresistive forces of band 20 while attempting to place the user's fingersin the finger loops 36. Therefore, some embodiments of the presentinvention comprise a means for selectively coupling the first and secondhand adapters, as shown in FIGS. 5-6B.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a first hand adapter 30 a may include a firstattachment means 70 a comprising a portion of bottom surface 37. Secondhand adapter 30 b may further include a second attachment means 70 bcomprising a portion of top surface 35 that is exposed when installed onthe user's hand. For example, in some instances second attachment means70 b comprises an outer surface of finger loops 36. First and secondattachment means 70 a and 70 b are generally compatible such that theattachment means are designed to selectively attach and detach from oneanother. For example, in some embodiments attachment means 70 comprisesa hook and loop fastener, wherein the first attachment means 70 a is ahook strip and the second attachment means 70 b is a loop strip. Inother embodiments, first attachment means 70 a comprises clip and secondattachment means 70 b comprises a clip catch. Further, in someembodiments first attachment means 70 a comprises a cleat and secondattachment means 70 b comprises a hook. Further still, in some instancesattachment means 70 comprises a magnetic connection.

The locations of first and second attachment means may vary based uponthe design of pad 32 and placement of finger loops 36. In oneembodiments, a hook and loop connection is provided between oppositesurfaces of pads 32 (i.e., top surface 35 and bottom surface 37), asshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In particular, a loop strip 70 a is providedon the bottom surface 37 of first hand adapter 30 a, and a hook strip 70b is provided on the outer surface of one or more of finger loops 36 ofsecond hand adapter 30 b. The locations of hook and loop strips 70 a and70 b may be reversed, as desired. In this embodiment, the attachmentmeans 70 of first and second hand adapters 30 a and 30 b are coupled byinterfacing the opposing surfaces across the user's abdomen, as shown inFIG. 6B. The resistive forces 80 of band 20 pull against the shearstrength of the hook and loop connection, thereby maintaining theconnection. Once the connection is secured, the user may pull hisfingers from finger loops 36. In some instances, the interconnected handadapters 30 a and 30 b are stored on the user's abdomen between exercisemovements or repetitions. The connection between the hand adapters ismaintained until the user peals the outer hand adapter 30 a away fromthe inner hand adapter 30 b.

Attachment means 70 may comprise any portion of hand adapter 30. Forexample, in some instances first and second attachment means 70 a and 70b are placed on like surfaces of pads 32 (i.e., both on bottom surfaces37, or both on top surfaces 35). If the attachment means 70 a and 70 bare placed on the bottom surfaces 37, the user would couple theattachment means by interfacing the two bottom surfaces 37 andestablishing contact between the two attachment means. If attachmentmeans 70 are placed on like surfaces, the resistive forces 80 of band 20may partially or completely undo the connection. According, for theseembodiments attachment means 70 may be selected to either compensate forthese types of pull-apart forces, or be sufficiently robust to withstandthese forces.

In some instances, attachment means 70 may be utilized to assist theuser in donning the resistance back strap device 10. For example, a usermay first position band 20 on the user's back while holding the handadapters in the user's hands. The user then stretches band 20 until heis able to interconnect the attachment means 70. Once the connectionbetween the opposing attachment means is secure, the user may insert hisfingers into the finger loops 36 of the respective hand adapters 30. Theuser may then separate the connected attachment means 70 and grip anexercise device, surface, or free-weight with the bottom surfaces 37 ofpads 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, some embodiments of the present inventionfurther comprise a resistance band 20 having terminal ends 21 to whichare attached a pair of handles 90. Handles 90 generally comprise ahandgrip portion that is attached to terminal end 21 via an attachmentloop 46. In some instances, loop 46 comprises an opening or grommet 46through which terminal end 21 is threaded or inserted. Terminal end 21further comprises a knot 50 or other similar structure to preventremoval of terminal end 21 from loop 46. In some instances, loop 46comprises a continuous loop of nylon webbing that is inserted through ahollow core or interior of handle 90, such that handle 90 may rotateabout loop 46. In other instance, loop 46 is securely fastened toterminal ends of handle 90.

Resistance band 20 further comprises a pair of hand adapters 30 whichare coupled to resistance band 20 at locations between handles 90, suchthat an extension 23 is interposed between hand adapter 30 and handle90. In some instances, hand adapters 90 are slidably positioned onresistance band 20 via opening or grommet 46. Resistance band 20 furthercomprises a knot 50 or other similar structure interposed between handadapter 90 and extension 23, such that knot 50 prevents hand adapter 30from sliding onto extension 23. In some instances, knot 50 comprises arigid bead or similar structure having a maximum width that is greaterthan an interior diameter of resistance band 20, whereby the rigid beadis inserted within the interior space of resistance band 20 at adistance from terminal end 21, thereby defining extension 23. In someinstances, knot 50 comprises a barb connector that attaches extensions23 to the ends of resistance band 20, thereby attaching handles 90 toresistance band 20.

In some instances, extensions 23 comprise a length configured toaccommodate holding handles 90 to perform a bicep curl, while the middleportion of resistance band 20 is secured beneath a user's feet in astanding position. Similarly, the distance between hand adapters 30 isconfigured to accommodate use of resistance band 20 in completing chestexercises, as discussed above. Thus, the present invention provides asingle resistance band that may be used to perform a variety of exercisemovements.

For example, in one embodiment the length of each extension 23 isapproximately one-half the length of the section of resistance bandinterposed between the pair of hand adapters 30. In one embodiment, thelength of the section of resistance band interposed between the pair ofhand adapters 30 is approximately three-times the length of eachextension 23. In some instances, the distance between hand adapters 30may be adjusted by repositioning knot 50 located between hand adapters30 and extensions 23.

With reference to FIG. 8, in some instances handles 90 are selectivelycoupled to terminal ends 21 via a clip 92, or other similar device.Accordingly, handles 90 may be interchanged with a separate grippingstructure, such as pistol grip 94 or knotted rope structure 96.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the present invention comprise ahand adapter having a single loop configured to receive four fingers.With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, hand adapters 100 and 110 are shown,respectively. In some embodiments, hand adapters 100 and 110 comprise aninner loop 102 and an outer sleeve 120, wherein the inner loop passesthrough an interior lumen of outer sleeve 120. Generally, inner loop 102comprises a length that is greater than outer sleeve 120. However, inone embodiment inner loop 102 and outer sleeve 120 are approximately thesame length. Generally, inner loop 102 is slidably positioned withinouter sleeve 120, such that outer sleeve 120 may slide along the lengthof inner loop 102.

Inner loop 102 generally comprises a static, yet flexible material, suchas nylon webbing. In some embodiments, hand loop 102 comprises flat,nylon webbing material. In some embodiments, inner loop 102 comprises afabric material. Alternatively, inner loop 102 may comprise a flat,braided metallic material.

Outer sleeve 120 generally comprises a soft, compliant material that iscomfortable and cushioning against the user's palm. In some embodiments,outer sleeve 120 provides a cushioning barrier between inner loop 102and the user's palm. As used herein, the term “compliant material”refers to any compatible material which is flexible and able to transfermechanical forces therethrough. Non-limiting examples of compliantmaterials compatible for use with the present invention include rubber,foam rubber, neoprene, polychloroprene, polytetrafluoroethylene,tetrafluoroethylene/propylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers,styrene butadiene silicone, nitrile, latex, various woven fabrics, andvarious non-woven fabrics. In some embodiments, outer sleeve 120comprises a compliant material having a durometer hardness of fromapproximately 30 Shore A to approximately 90 Shore A. In one embodiment,outer sleeve 120 comprises a compliant material having a durometerhardness of from approximately 50 Shore A to approximately 80 Shore A.

Inner loop 102 is generally configured to provide a single opening 105configured to receive the second, third, fourth, and fifth phalanges ofa user's hand. Generally, a user grasps inner loop 102 by inserting theuser's second, third, fourth, and fifth phalanges through opening 105and securing the apex 106 portion of the loop 102 in the user's palm.Thus, loop 102 is secured in the user's palm, wherein a portion of loop102 is secured by, or contacts the thenar eminence 108 of the user'shand, as shown in FIG. 10.

Inner loop 102 further comprises first and second terminal ends 103 and104 that are coupled to a connecting device capable of being selectivelycoupled to band 20, such as mounting block 40. In one embodiment,terminal ends 103 and 104 each comprise a sewn loop that is permanentlysecured to slots or openings in mounting block 40, as shown in FIG. 9A.In some embodiments, terminal ends 103 and 104 each comprise anadjustable loop, such as via a slide fastener or a hook and loopconnector. In some instances, hand adapter 100 is selectively coupled toband 20, such as via receptacle 42.

In some embodiments, inner loop 102 comprises a circular loop, as shownin FIG. 9B. Inner loop 102 may further comprise an opening or grommet 46by which inner loop 102 is secured to band 20. In some instances, innerloop 102 and/or band 20 is configured to permit selective coupling ofinner loop 102 to band 20. In other instances, inner loop 102 ispermanently coupled to band 20. Alternatively, inner loop 102 may besecured to an attachment loop or other structure, as described herein.

The flexible material properties of inner loop 102 and outer sleeve 120permit the hand adapters to conform to the anatomy of the user's palmand hand while using the device, as shown in FIG. 10. These flexiblematerial properties further permit the user to grasp and hold,concomitantly, the hand adapter and a solid, rigid object 130, whereinthe inner loop 102 and outer sleeve 120 conform to the anatomy of theuser's hand and the outer surface of the rigid object, as shown in FIG.11. Thus, the user is not required to remove hand adapter 100 or 110prior to grasping a rigid or semi-rigid secondary object, such as abarbell, a dumbbell, a kettlebell, a handle, a bar, a rope, a grip etc.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not resistive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device, comprising: a singleresistance band having a first terminal end, a second terminal end, anda body interposed therebetween; a first handle coupled to the firstterminal end and a second handle coupled to the second terminal end; anda pair of hand adapters coupled to the body of the singular resistanceband between the first and second handles, such that a first portion ofthe body is interposed between the first handle and the first handadapter, and a second portion of the body is interposed between thesecond handle and the second hand adapter, wherein the pair of handadapters each comprise a hand loop configured to receive the second,third, fourth, and fifth phalanges of a user's hand.
 2. The exercisedevice of claim 1, further comprising a third portion of the bodyinterposed between the pair of hand adapters.
 3. The exercise device ofclaim 2, wherein the third portion of the body comprises a length thatis at least twice the length of the first or second portions of thebody.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a first knotinterposed between the first handle and a first proximal hand adapter ofthe pair of hand adapters, and a second knot interposed between thesecond handle and a second proximal hand adapter of the pair of handadapters.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a knotinterposed between each handle and the respective terminal end.
 6. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein a length of the first portion of thebody is equal to a length of the second portion of the body.
 7. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the first and second handles areremovably coupled to the first and second terminal ends.
 8. The exercisedevice of claim 7, further comprising a gripping structure that isinterchangeably coupled to at least one of the first and second terminalends.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the separate gripping structuresare selected from a group consisting of a pistol grip and a knottedrope.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the resistance bandcomprises an elastomeric material.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the hand loop comprises: an inner loop; and an outer sleevecovering a portion of the inner loop
 12. The exercise device of claim11, wherein the inner loop comprises a fabric material.
 13. The exercisedevice of claim 11, wherein the outer sleeve is tubular.
 14. Theexercise device of claim 11, wherein the outer sleeve comprises acompliant material.
 15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein thecompliant material is selected from the group consisting of foam rubber,neoprene, polychloroprene, polytetrafluoroethylene,tetrafluoroethylene/propylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers,styrene butadiene silicone, nitrile, latex, a woven fabric, and anon-woven fabric.
 16. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein thecompliant material comprises a durometer hardness of from approximately30 Shore A to approximately 90 Shore A.
 17. The exercise device of claim11, wherein the outer sleeve is configured to contact a palm surface ofthe user's hand.